Why Dance Teachers Need Certification: More Than Just Steps and Rhythm

Dance. It's an expression, an art form, a physical discipline, and a cultural cornerstone. But in some countries and states, teaching dance requires more than just passion and a knack for choreography”it demands certification. Why? Let's delve into the reasons behind this seemingly stringent requirement.

Protecting the Student, Protecting the Art

At the heart of certification lies the desire to protect students. Dance, like any physical activity, carries inherent risks. Improper instruction can lead to injuries, both short-term and long-term.

• Safety and Injury Prevention: A certified instructor is expected to possess a solid understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and safe dance practices. Dance degrees from all universities, such as California State - Long Beach Dance program, require this knowledge to graduate. Certified teachers should be able to identify and correct potentially harmful movements, preventing strains, sprains, and more serious injuries. Certification can help ensure that instructors have the knowledge to teach proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and technique. Additionally, teachers should be certified in responding to injury, such as American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Child Protection: When working with minors, particularly in the realm of physical activity, safeguarding is paramount. Certification can involve background checks and training in child protection protocols, ensuring that instructors are suitable to work with young people. Teachers at South Coast Conservatory are trained Mandated Reporters.
• Maintaining Standards: Certification can help establish and maintain a certain standard of quality within the dance education field. It ensures that instructors possess a minimum level of competence and knowledge, protecting the reputation of the art form itself.

Beyond Physical Safety: Professionalism and Accountability

Certification isn't solely about preventing physical harm; it also addresses professionalism and accountability.

• Professional Recognition: A certification can serve as a form of professional recognition, validating an instructor's expertise and qualifications. This can build trust with students and parents.
• Ethical Conduct: Certification entities such as National Dance Educators Organization and Dance Educators of America may enforce codes of ethics, ensuring that instructors adhere to professional standards of conduct. This can include guidelines on appropriate teacher-student relationships, fair business practices, and respect for intellectual property.
• Accountability: In cases of negligence or misconduct, certification provides a mechanism for holding instructors accountable. Students and parents have recourse through regulatory bodies.
• Educational Standards: In some cases, certification can ensure that dance instructors have a solid foundation in dance history, theory, and pedagogy, especially within educational institutions. Organizations such as Acrobatic Arts and American Ballet Theater Certification provide these standards.

The Arguments Against Certification

Of course, certification is not without its critics. Some argue that:

• It can be restrictive and exclusionary: certification requirements can create barriers for talented individuals who may lack formal qualifications but possess significant practical experience.
• It can stifle creativity: Excessive regulation may discourage innovation and experimentation within dance education.
• The cost and time involved in obtaining a certification can be prohibitive: This can particularly impact those from marginalized communities.
• It may not guarantee quality: A certification does not automatically equate to a good teacher.

Finding the Balance

The debate surrounding dance teacher certification highlights the need to balance safety, professionalism, and accessibility. While regulations are essential to protect students and maintain standards, they should not create unnecessary barriers to entry.

Ultimately, whether or not a certification is required, responsible dance teachers should always prioritize:

• Continuous learning and professional development.
• Adherence to ethical standards.
• A commitment to creating a safe and positive learning environment.

Dance is a powerful force, and those who guide its expression bear a significant responsibility. Certification, when implemented thoughtfully, can play a role in ensuring that this responsibility is upheld.

Join a class at South Coast Conservatory. Your mind and body will thank you.

Laguna Niguel, CA